The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-07
HOME OF THE WAITS.
A NOBLE CHARITY THAT STANDS IN
NEED OF IMMEDIATE RELIEF.
Ten Bright Little Boys, the Oldest Not
over Seven Years OF Age, and Their
Philanthropic Protector - Assistance
That Can Be Well Rendered.

There is nothing which goes further in
commencing city to the outside world
than its public charities. II proves, among
other things, that its people are not so en-
crossed in the laudable pursuit OF money
making that the cries OF unfortunate hui
manity fall upon ears deaf TO suchappeals.
From the christians standpoint COM
munities which foster and encourage in
sttutions for relieving and caring for the
poor, INDECENT and oppressed are specially
smiled upon by Providence, History,
both sacred and profane, as well as per-
sonal experience with nearly everyone,
has established the fact that assistance,
deservedly rendered, never yet brought
sorrow or regrets TO anyone. This has
been n prolific theme for gifted pulpit
orators from time immemorial, and the
first denial has yet to be heard.
Memphis has number OF noble char
tiles nearly all well sustained. But this
is due more to the fnithfulness and energy
OF heroic women and few male phian-
thropists. There is one, however, which
seems to have escaped the general public,
and one that commends itself to ii in ways
stronger than language That is the boys
home on the new Raleigh road, Chelsea,
presided over by Mr.. +. b. Steinberger.
This self-sacrifcing philanthropist came to
the city over year ago, and undertook to
establish the Banner boys home for
ncwsboys. For months this sef-imposed
task was nobly pursued in Se face OF
manifold dscoufugcments and hardships.
| Finally, the newsboys became 10 incorrigi-
BILE aud troublesome that Mr.. Stemberger
wisely concluded his loving kindness and
philanthropic endeavors in their behalf
were wasted. His attention is now turned
in the direction Of the waits.
An APPEAL reporter went through this
deserving institution yesterday, and was
much impressed with the surroundings
and manner of conduct Ten little waits,
ranging in age from three 10 seven years,
all bright, sweet faced and dutiful little
fellows, were brought in for inspection.
Every command OF the superintendent,
given in gentle but positive tones, was
Obcycd more rs a pleasure than duty. No
punishment is inflicted, control being
gained entirely through kindness. The
home was inspected from cellar 10 garret,
and found 90 be in model condition. so far
as cleanliness and order were concerned.
GLOW is the institution sustained" was
asked Of Mr. Stcinbcrgcr.
That is almost mystery" said lac, rs
a look oi sadness swept over his face. |
have only S45 per month, contributed at
the rate Of 81 from each subscriber For
the house pay SIS rental, aud the bal
ancc is expended for clothing, food and
other nccc,SsIrics Tor the children. ! re-
ccivc no compensation whatever for my
services, md have even taken money out
Of my pocket Ia meet emergencies. Some
contributions Of food and clothing como
in, hut not in sufficient quantity 10 Keep
me from going forth almost daily or q
begging tour"
In proof Of this, the reporter was taken
90 the siorc-room and cnal-lIousr. In the
former wcrr only small stocks Of meal,
Potatoes and meal, not enough to feed tho
ten little fellows more than two DAYS.
"Nherc the other Is tO come from ! do
not know, but / shall 4, out and beg. Tho
little bays must be- taken care Of. I meet
with all manner oi rcbuiTs when on this
mission, and from men who have plenty
and TO spare. Ono gentleman whom |
approached, a banker, turned abruptly
away and said, Cali next week II they
/, all did that way, by next week the boys
would be starved TO death. Ono thing
an very careful about, IN not TO ask any
one who contributes II n month 10 do
anything further. II all who are ablo
would only do this much, there would be
no OCCASION for continued begging"
From the appearance Of the coal-house,
unless an additional supply arrives i'm
mcdiaiely, cold weather viii meet with no
opposition. Mr.. Sicinbcncr said Mcssrs.
liruwn & Jones had been especially liberal
in contributing, Us had nearly alYtbe lead
ing dealers. This made the situation tho
mor trying. lie did not like 10 ride a
, lrcc hons 10 death, yet what could he DOT
With no money 10 purchase coal or wood,
begging was the only recourse.
All tie sleeping apartments were In cx-
ccllcnt condition. Us were the other apart
mcnts la the home. The work Is all done
by Mt Steinbcrgcr and his little charges.
therefore no contributions OF money or
other necessary articles 20 10 outsiders
The institution should I've taken in charge
10y those who have means aud sustained.